In an absolutely perfect Nets world, the Magic don't trade Howard, he becomes a free agent and signs with the Nets who keep Brook Lopez, Deron Williams, their first-round draft pick. You could throw in the Knicks pulling up stakes and moving to Albuquerque, but the Nets would settle for the former stuff.

That's the perfect world for Lopez. He wants to stay. He wants to be a part of Brooklyn, not part of a pre-March 15 deadline trade. Lopez also would welcome the chance to move his 7-foot frame to the power forward spot next to Howard.

"It would be interesting, and if that was the case, no question," Lopez said. "I wouldn't mind playing with him at all. He's an incredible talent."